Yesterday, the Governor announced that an additional 1,304 confirmed positive test results for COVID-19, bringing the statewide total to 151,472. He also announced another 98 deaths, bringing the statewide total to 10,843.
New hospitalizations continue a downward down trend. The Governor reported that 3,208 patients being treated in hospitals, a decrease of almost 200 from the day before.
The State has lost over 750,000 jobs and the unemployment hit an unfortunate record of 15.3% in April.
Today (Friday) the Governor will sign an Executive Order allowing for permissible outdoor gatherings will be expanded from 10 to 25. Indoor gatherings will remain at 10. This order will also allow for the openings of public and private campgrounds immediately. The order does not pertain to outdoor dining or graduations. On this, the Governor indicated to have guidance early next week.
In the past week, the Governor signed the following Executive Orders as a result of the pandemic:
Executive Order 144: Executive Order to Protect Public Health by Mailing Every Registered Voter a VBM Ballot or Application Ahead of the Primary Election
Executive Order 145: Executive Order Allowing Elective Surgeries and Invasive Procedures to Resume on May 26
Executive Order 146: Executive Order to Reopen Charter Fishing and Watercraft Rental Businesses
Executive Order 147: Executive Order which authorizes certain outdoor activities at recreational businesses such as archery ranges, batting cages, golf driving ranges, horseback riding, shooting, ranges, tennis clubs, community gardens.
See the League COVID-19 page for all our resources and communications.
In light of the current pandemic, we remind you of NJ Mental Health Cares; the state’s behavioral health information and referral service offers assistance to people dealing with anxiety and stress related to the COVID-19 outbreak. Residents can call 1-866-202-HELP (4357) for free, confidential support. NJ Mental Health Cares will be answered from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days a week by live trained specialists.
According to the New Jersey Department of Labor, that have been over 930,000 new unemployment claims filed since the start of the state of emergency. There are now almost 622,000 collecting unemployment.
Contact: Michael F. Cerra, Assistant Executive Director, mcerra@njlm.org, 609-695-3481 x120.